Abstract
The gut microbiota have gained much scientific attention recently. Apart from unravelling the taxonomic data, we should understand how the altered microbiota structure corresponds to functions of this complex ecosystem. The metabolites of intestinal microorganisms, especially bacteria, exert pleiotropic effects on the human organism and contribute to the host systemic balance. These molecules play key roles in regulating immune and metabolic processes. A subset of them affect the gut brain axis signaling and balance the mental wellbeing. Neurotransmitters, short chain fatty acids, tryptophan catabolites, bile acids and phosphatidylcholine, choline, serotonin, and L-carnitine metabolites possess high neuroactive potential. A scoping literature search in PubMed/Embase was conducted up until 20 June 2020, using three major search terms “microbiota metabolites” AND “gut brain axis” AND “mental health”. This review aimed to enhance our knowledge regarding the gut microbiota functional capacity, and support current and future attempts to create new compounds for future clinical interventions.
Highlights
The gastrointestinal microbiota play a prominent role in maintaining human health
The communication is performed via the the vagal nerve and is based on molecules transmitted through the circulatory system
The imbalance in the production of these molecules has been strongly associated with the development of multiple mental disorders that alter the gut microbiota composition
Summary
The gastrointestinal microbiota play a prominent role in maintaining human health. Among the pleiotropic role of the digestive tract microbiota, the fermentative and metabolic functions deserve attention. Gut microbes ferment food particles, which makes them an anaerobic bioreactor of multiple tasks, involved in digestion of polysaccharides, synthesis of vitamins, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and polyamides. Some of these molecules possess neuroactive competences [2]. Some of microbiotas’ metabolic functions are common (e.g., acid and SCFAs production), while others are either species- (e.g., vitamin synthesis, bile salt metabolism, or enzymatic activity), or strain-dependent (e.g., immunological and endocrinological effects or production of specific bioactive molecules) [3]
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